220-1201 CompTIA A+ Core 1Exam (2025) Question and Answers

When a laptop powers on but the screen is blank, the quickest way to isolate the problem is to connect to an external monitor. This helps determine if the issue is with the laptop display or with the graphics subsystem.

From CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Official Study Guide, Objective 4.1 – Troubleshoot common hardware problems:

“A blank screen on a laptop with power indicators lit should be tested with an external display first to rule out a faulty screen or ribbon cable.”

Verified Source:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Official Study Guide, Chapter 4: Laptop Display Troubleshooting

CompTIA Exam Objectives 220-1101, Domain 4.1

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Wi-Fi assistance in mobile devices helps improve location accuracy by using nearby wireless networks to triangulate the device’s position, even when GPS signals are weak (like indoors or in dense areas).

Bluetooth is a wireless technology designed for short-range communication between devices. It is a classic example of a Personal Area Network (PAN), which supports communication between devices like smartphones, headsets, keyboards, and mice within a few meters. PANs are smaller in scope compared to LANs or WANs.

Firmware is the embedded software on a device such as a printer. Manufacturers often release firmware updates to resolve hardware-specific functionality issues, such as scan-to-email or security vulnerabilities.

From CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Official Study Guide, Objective 3.4 – Printer installation and maintenance:

“Firmware updates provide bug fixes and add new features for multifunction printers. Apply firmware updates to resolve device-specific issues.”

Verified Source:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Official Study Guide, Chapter 3: Printer Maintenance

CompTIA Exam Objectives 220-1101, Domain 3.4

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The most likely cause isthird-party or ill-fitting casesobstructing the contact between the stylus and the tablet charging mechanism. Some cases may not be designed with stylus charging in mind, particularly if users are purchasing their own accessories.

Option B:A software update might fix OS-related issues, but would not typically affect physical charging.

Option C:If some devices had defects, the issue would likely be consistent, not isolated to some users.

Option D:Firmware issues could be a factor but are less likely than physical obstructions when users are using different accessories.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam Objective Reference:

Objective 1.4: Given a scenario, configure settings and use cases for laptops and mobile devices.

Channel configuration(e.g.,dual-channel,quad-channel) determines how memory modules communicate with the memory controller. Usingmatched pairs in dual- or quad-channel setupscan significantlyincrease memory bandwidth, improving performance — especially for gaming and video-intensive tasks.

Option A (Error correction):ECC RAM is used in servers for reliability, not performance or gaming.

Option B (RAM voltage):Affects compatibility and overclocking but not bandwidth.

Option D (Physical size):Refers to module form factor (e.g., DIMM, SO-DIMM) and does not impact bandwidth.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam Objective Reference:

Objective 3.2: Given a scenario, install RAM types.

B. USB-C:

USB-C is a versatile connector that supports charging, high-speed data transfer, and the ability to send audio and video signals (e.g., DisplayPort over USB-C).

It is used by most modern mobile devices and laptops because of its fast transfer speeds and power delivery capabilities.

Incorrect Options:

A. Lightning: Lightning is proprietary to Apple devices and does not natively support video output.

C. MicroUSB: MicroUSB is outdated and does not support video output.

D. MiniUSB: MiniUSB is an older standard and does not support modern features like video output or fast charging.

Key Takeaway: USB-C is the most versatile connector for charging and transferring data, audio, and video.

Physical damage from dropping a tablet may often affect ports or connectors. Before taking deeper diagnostic or replacement steps, it's important to visually inspect the USB-C charging port for damage or debris. If the port is damaged, charging issues can occur regardless of battery health.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step-by-Step Explanation:

Random BSODs (Blue Screen of Death), intermittent freezing, and degraded performance under load are common symptoms of failing or faulty RAM (Random Access Memory). Here's the reasoning:

RAM Module (Correct Answer):

Faulty or failing RAM can cause random BSODs due to memory errors when the system attempts to read or write to corrupted memory locations.

Intermittent freezing, especially under performance-intensive operations, can occur because the CPU relies heavily on RAM for active processing tasks.

Over time, heat generated during usage can exacerbate RAM instability, leading to progressively worse performance throughout the day.

Solution: The technician should run a memory diagnostic tool, such as Windows Memory Diagnostic or MemTest86, to confirm if the RAM is at fault.

Incorrect Options:

A. Video Card: A faulty video card can cause graphical glitches, screen artifacts, or crashes, but it is unlikely to cause system-wide performance degradation and random freezing under normal operations unless the issue is specific to GPU-intensive tasks (e.g., gaming or video rendering).

B. HDD: A failing hard drive can cause system slowdowns and freezing, but it typically produces other symptoms such as read/write errors, boot failures, or clicking sounds. HDD issues do not usually cause BSODs unless critical system files are corrupted.

D. TPM (Trusted Platform Module): A TPM is a hardware-based security module used for encryption and secure authentication. It does not affect performance or cause BSODs or freezing under normal operation.

Key Takeaway:

The symptoms described (random BSODs, intermittent freezing, and degraded performance under load) are most likely caused by faulty or failing RAM. Memory diagnostic tools should be used to confirm the issue.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step-by-Step Explanation:

Modifying duplex settings to double-sided:

Printing on both sides of the paper (duplex printing) reduces paper usage, making it one of the most effective environmentally friendly printing initiatives.

It directly minimizes waste and supports sustainability goals in the workplace.

Incorrect Options:

A. Requiring user authentication for printing: While this can reduce unnecessary or unauthorized printing, it does not directly address environmental objectives like saving resources.

B. Locking down printing to only certain individuals: Limiting access may reduce printing overall, but it does not actively contribute to environmentally friendly practices like duplex printing.

D. Changing the print quality settings to best: Using the "best" print quality increases toner or ink usage, which is counterproductive to environmentally friendly objectives.

Key Takeaway:

Modifying duplex settings to enable double-sided printing is the best initiative to achieve environmentally friendly goals by reducing paper consumption.

A punchdown tool is specifically used to insert wires into a punchdown block in patch panels, which is typical for Cat 6 and similar cabling. It ensures a secure and correct connection by pushing the wire into a metal groove that slices the insulation.

Dot matrix printersuse aninked ribbonthat physically contacts the paper through tiny pins. Over time, the ribbon wears out or dries up, resulting infaded or light print output. Replacing the ribbon restores print quality.

Option A:Cleaning helps with image clarity, not ink density.

Option C:Maintenance kits apply to laser printers, not dot matrix.

Option D:Calibration affects print position, not darkness.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam Objective Reference:

Objective 3.7: Given a scenario, troubleshoot common printer problems.

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Near-field communication (NFC) is a short-distance wireless communication method widely used in mobile payment systems like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Simply placing the device near a compatible terminal initiates the payment process.

An older HDMI cable version may not support 4K resolution. For 4K output, both the device and the cable must support HDMI 2.0 or higher.

From CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Official Study Guide, Objective 3.1 – Display troubleshooting:

“Ensure the correct version of HDMI cable is used for high-resolution outputs like 4K. Older cables may be limited to 1080p.”

Verified Source:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Official Study Guide, Chapter 3: Display and Video

CompTIA Exam Objectives 220-1101, Domain 3.1

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Intermittent display issues, such as a screen flashing on and off, are most commonly caused by a loose or faulty video cable connection. If the power cable is confirmed secure, the next logical step is to check the video (data) cable between the monitor and the computer.

From the CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Official Study Guide, Objective 4.1 – Troubleshoot common hardware problems:

"Common video issues include intermittent display or loss of picture. The most likely causes are a loose or faulty video cable or connector. Check all cable connections before troubleshooting internal components."

Verified Source:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Official Study Guide, Chapter 4: Troubleshooting Hardware Problems

CompTIA Exam Objectives 220-1101, Domain 4.1

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Improper seating is the most common reason an SSD isn’t recognized. Ensuring it is correctly connected resolves the issue.

Why Not A (Faulty SSD): A faulty SSD is possible but less likely than an installation issue.

Why Not B (Not formatted): Formatting affects data usability, not drive detection.

Why Not C (Incompatibility): SSD compatibility issues are rare with modern hardware.

CompTIA A+ Exam Reference: Core 1 (220-1201), Section 3.3, storage troubleshooting​.

A port replicator is designed to allow a user to quickly connect a laptop to multiple peripherals (display, keyboard, mouse, network, etc.) using a single interface, reducing setup time.

From CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Official Study Guide, Objective 3.1 – Laptop hardware and connections:

“Port replicators offer quick connections for multiple peripherals, streamlining the process of docking and undocking a laptop.”

Verified Source:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Official Study Guide, Chapter 3: Laptop Hardware

CompTIA Exam Objectives 220-1101, Domain 3.1

Upgrading to asolid-state drive (SSD)providesmore storage spaceandfaster read/write speeds, which resolves both the “insufficient storage” error and slow application loads.

Option B (USB):Not intended for permanent application storage or performance improvements.

Option C (HDD):Could solve storage capacity but would not improve speed.

Option D (RAM):Affects multitasking and memory-intensive tasks, not storage capacity directly.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam Objective Reference:

Objective 3.5: Given a scenario, troubleshoot problems related to storage devices.

A DHCP reservation binds a specific MAC address to an IP address so the device always receives the same IP from the DHCP server. This ensures network devices like printers maintain consistent connectivity and availability even when the IP pool is low.

An internal cloud platform operated exclusively for a single organization is a private cloud, providing dedicated resources and enhanced control.

From CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Official Study Guide, Objective 3.7 – Cloud models:

“A private cloud is provisioned for exclusive use by a single organization, typically managed internally or by a third party, and may be hosted on-premises.”

Verified Source:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Official Study Guide, Chapter 3: Cloud Concepts

CompTIA Exam Objectives 220-1101, Domain 3.7

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When a device shows asnot connectedeven though it previously paired, the most effective action is tore-pair the devices. This resets the Bluetooth connection, clears any corruption in pairing profiles, and re-establishes communication.

Option A:Entering a PIN is only relevant during initial pairing and may not be prompted again.

Option B:Turning off Wi-Fi doesn’t typically affect Bluetooth; they operate on similar frequencies but don’t conflict this way in normal use.

Option D:If Bluetooth were disabled, the device wouldn’t appear at all, not just show as “not connected.”

CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam Objective Reference:

Objective 1.5: Given a scenario, connect and configure accessories and ports of mobile devices.

Comprehensive and Detailed Step-by-Step Explanation:

To answer this question, we need to identify the port numbers associated with email protocols used in client-server communication.

Port 25 (SMTP - Simple Mail Transfer Protocol):

This port is primarily used for sending emails between mail servers and from mail clients to mail servers (sending outbound mail).

SMTP is an essential protocol for email traffic.

A docking station allows users to connect multiple peripherals (monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc.) to a laptop with a single connection, reducing cable clutter and improving convenience.

From CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Official Study Guide, Objective 3.1 – Laptop hardware and connections:

“A docking station enables the use of multiple external devices with a laptop using only one or two connections, making it ideal for office environments.”

Verified Source:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Official Study Guide, Chapter 3: Laptop Hardware

CompTIA Exam Objectives 220-1101, Domain 3.1

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Cellular networks offer broad coverage in rural or less populated areas where laying fiber, cable, or DSL lines may not be feasible or cost-effective. Cellular broadband (4G LTE/5G) provides fast speeds using existing mobile network infrastructure.

From CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Official Study Guide, Objective 2.7 – Compare and contrast Internet connection types:

"Cellular connections offer high speed and extensive coverage, especially in areas where other wired infrastructure may not exist or be practical."

Verified Source:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Official Study Guide, Chapter 2: Internet Connections

CompTIA Exam Objectives 220-1101, Domain 2.7

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The most likely cause is a swollen battery, which occurs when the battery's internal components break down, causing a buildup of gas. This results in:

Physical Symptoms: The battery bulges, pushing the screen away.

Operational Symptoms: The device may still power on when connected to a charger but fails to hold a charge due to battery degradation.

Option A (Malfunctioning power supply): Incorrect. Power supply issues affect charging but do not cause physical bulging.

Option B (Damaged charge port): Incorrect. A damaged port can prevent charging but does not explain the bulge.

Option D (Broken screen): Incorrect. A damaged screen does not cause the device to bulge; it is likely a secondary effect of the swollen battery.

Safety Note: A swollen battery poses a risk of fire or explosion and should be replaced immediately following proper disposal procedures.

Port 3389 is used by the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) for remote desktop connections in Windows environments. This port allows remote control and management of systems across the network.

If paper gets stuck at the last stage of printing, the rollers responsible for moving the paper through the printer are likely worn out or dirty.

Why Not B (Tray assembly): The tray assembly manages paper loading, not feeding during the print process.

Why Not C (Toner): Toner is unrelated to paper jams.

Why Not D (Printhead): Printheads manage ink/toner distribution, not paper movement.

CompTIA A+ Exam Reference: Core 2 (220-1102), Section 4.6, printer troubleshooting​.

NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) drives commonly use the M.2 interface and provide the highest performance for SSDs.

From CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Official Study Guide, Objective 3.2 – Storage devices:

“NVMe drives connect via the M.2 slot and provide the fastest data transfer rates available for storage devices.”

Verified Source:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Official Study Guide, Chapter 3: Storage Technologies

CompTIA Exam Objectives 220-1101, Domain 3.2

Port 23 is used by Telnet, an unencrypted remote connection protocol that poses significant security risks. Disabling Telnet and using secure alternatives like SSH (port 22) is best practice.

From CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Official Study Guide, Objective 2.1 – Common ports and protocols:

"Port 23 (Telnet) provides unencrypted remote access and should be disabled to increase security. Use SSH (port 22) for secure remote connections."

Verified Source:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Official Study Guide, Chapter 2: Ports and Protocols

CompTIA Exam Objectives 220-1101, Domain 2.1

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Client virtualization involves installing an application on a server and enabling multiple users to run the application simultaneously via virtualized sessions. This eliminates the need for individual installations on local machines.

Why Not B (Software as a Service): SaaS delivers software over the internet and does not require local installations but is managed by a third party, not the organization itself.

Why Not C (Sandboxing): Sandboxing is for isolating applications for security testing, not for concurrent user access.

Why Not D (Embedded software): Embedded software is installed on hardware devices, not shared across multiple users.

CompTIA A+ Exam Reference: Core 1 (220-1201), Section 4.2, virtualization concepts​.

User authentication allows access to device functions (like printing and copying) to be restricted to authorized personnel. This is typically implemented on networked multifunction devices for security and auditing.

From CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Official Study Guide, Objective 3.4 – Printer and device security:

“Enable user authentication on shared multifunction devices to restrict access to specific features for authorized users only.”

Verified Source:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Official Study Guide, Chapter 3: Printer Security

CompTIA Exam Objectives 220-1101, Domain 3.4

For a device to communicate on a network, it must have a valid IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway configured.

From CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Official Study Guide, Objective 2.2 – Network configuration:

“A valid IP address, subnet mask, and gateway are required for network connectivity and communication outside the local network.”

Verified Source:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Official Study Guide, Chapter 2: Network Configuration

CompTIA Exam Objectives 220-1101, Domain 2.2

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C. Installing redundant PSUs (Power Supply Units):

Redundant PSUs provide fault tolerance by ensuring that if one power supply fails, another will take over seamlessly.

This is a cost-effective way to increase uptime while waiting for the UPSs to arrive.

Incorrect Options:

A. Purchasing backup generators: Generators are costly and are typically used for long-term outages, not as an immediate or cost-effective solution.

B. Increasing input voltage: This is not a practical solution to hardware failures or power issues.

D. Activating a hot site: A hot site is an expensive, fully operational backup facility that would not be a cost-effective solution for this scenario.

Key Takeaway: Installing redundant PSUs is a cost-effective way to balance uptime requirements in case of power or hardware failure.

Unmanaged switches require no configuration—they simply need to be plugged in and start working immediately, making them ideal for simple network setups.

Managed switches provide advanced features such as VLANs, SNMP monitoring, port security, and traffic management, but require configuration.

From CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Official Study Guide, Objective 2.2 – Compare and contrast common networking hardware:

“Unmanaged switches operate out of the box with no configuration and are designed for simple connectivity. Managed switches allow for configuration, monitoring, and management of network traffic and security.”

Verified Source:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Official Study Guide, Chapter 2: Networking Hardware

CompTIA Exam Objectives 220-1101, Domain 2.2

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If two devices have thesame static IP address, anIP conflictoccurs. This results in both devices being intermittently disconnected or unable to communicate on the network. It’s a common mistake when copying configurations manually.

Option B:DNS conflicts wouldn’t cause total disconnection — and wouldn't occur just from copying IP settings.

Option C:A cable issue would only affect one workstation.

Option D:Switchport security issues wouldn't affect both machines simultaneously unless port security was configured very specifically.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam Objective Reference:

Objective 2.6: Given a scenario, configure and troubleshoot network connectivity.

Elasticity in cloud computing refers to the ability to automatically scale resources up or down based on demand, making it ideal for businesses with fluctuating workloads.

From CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Official Study Guide, Objective 3.7 – Cloud characteristics:

“Elasticity allows cloud customers to quickly and automatically scale computing resources in response to changing demand.”

Verified Source:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Official Study Guide, Chapter 3: Cloud Concepts

CompTIA Exam Objectives 220-1101, Domain 3.7

If print quality remains poor after replacing the ink cartridge, the next step is to clean the printheads. Printheads can become clogged with dried ink, especially in inkjet printers, causing streaks or faded output.

From the CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Official Study Guide, Objective 4.3 – Troubleshoot printing problems:

“Poor print quality after replacing cartridges is commonly caused by clogged or dirty printheads. Use the printer's cleaning cycle or manually clean the printheads as needed.”

Verified Source:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Official Study Guide, Chapter 4: Printer Troubleshooting

CompTIA Exam Objectives 220-1101, Domain 4.3

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A failing CPU fan may make unusual noises (including clicking) and, if it is not cooling the CPU, the system will quickly overheat and shut down to prevent damage.

From CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Official Study Guide, Objective 4.1 – Troubleshooting hardware problems:

“Overheating due to a failed or obstructed CPU fan can cause frequent shutdowns. Loud noises are a sign the fan should be checked first.”

Verified Source:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Official Study Guide, Chapter 4: PC Hardware Troubleshooting

CompTIA Exam Objectives 220-1101, Domain 4.1

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The digitizer is the component responsible for detecting touch input on a screen. If touch is not registering and there's no physical damage, the digitizer may be faulty.

From CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Official Study Guide, Objective 3.1 – Mobile device hardware:

“If a touchscreen device does not respond to input and the screen is intact, the digitizer (touch sensor) may be defective.”

Verified Source:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Official Study Guide, Chapter 3: Mobile Hardware

CompTIA Exam Objectives 220-1101, Domain 3.1

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A hypervisor allows multiple operating systems to run simultaneously on a single physical host, making it the ideal solution for providing concurrent access to different test environments. Developers can use virtual machines (VMs) for testing and development.

From CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Official Study Guide, Objective 3.7 – Compare and contrast cloud computing concepts:

“A hypervisor is software that enables multiple operating systems to run on a single host as virtual machines. This is commonly used in development and testing environments for flexibility and isolation.”

Verified Source:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Official Study Guide, Chapter 3: Virtualization

CompTIA Exam Objectives 220-1101, Domain 3.7

A modular power supply allows the user to connect only the cables needed, reducing clutter and improving organization inside the case.

From CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Official Study Guide, Objective 3.3 – Power supplies:

“Modular power supplies provide detachable cables, allowing users to use only the required connections for a neater build.”

Verified Source:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Official Study Guide, Chapter 3: Power Supplies

CompTIA Exam Objectives 220-1101, Domain 3.3

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To boot from a USB drive, the user must configure the boot order in the system BIOS/UEFI to prioritize the USB device. This setting tells the computer to load the operating system from the USB device on startup.

From CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Official Study Guide, Objective 3.5 – Configure BIOS/UEFI settings:

“The boot order determines the sequence in which the system firmware attempts to find an OS to boot. Setting USB as the first boot device allows the computer to boot from a USB drive.”

Verified Source:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Official Study Guide, Chapter 3: BIOS/UEFI Configuration

CompTIA Exam Objectives 220-1101, Domain 3.5

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PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) is required for high-end video cards.

NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) utilizes the M.2 or PCIe interface for the fastest SSD performance.

From CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Official Study Guide, Objective 3.2 – Motherboard expansion slots and storage interfaces:

“High-end video cards require a PCIe slot, while NVMe drives use M.2 (PCIe) slots for the highest data transfer rates.”

Verified Source:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Official Study Guide, Chapter 3: Motherboard & Storage

CompTIA Exam Objectives 220-1101, Domain 3.2

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Answer of both steps below.

A group of wires with different colors AI-generated content may be incorrect.

A screenshot of a computer AI-generated content may be incorrect.

If a laptop shuts down when undocked and remains powered off even with a new charging cable, the internal battery is likely faulty and cannot hold a charge. Replacing the battery is the next troubleshooting step.

From the CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Official Study Guide, Objective 4.1 – Troubleshoot common hardware problems:

"If a laptop only works when docked or connected to AC power, and a replacement cable does not resolve the issue, the internal battery may need to be replaced."

Verified Source:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Official Study Guide, Chapter 4: Troubleshooting Mobile Devices

CompTIA Exam Objectives 220-1101, Domain 4.1

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A computer tower with a hard drive and a hard drive AI-generated content may be incorrect.

A computer tower with a computer and a hard drive AI-generated content may be incorrect.

PoE (Power over Ethernet) allows both data and electrical power to be delivered over the same Ethernet cable. A PoE injector adds power to Ethernet cables for devices that need it.

From CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Official Study Guide, Objective 2.2 – Networking hardware:

“Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology and PoE injectors enable both power and data transmission to compatible network devices like access points and IP cameras.”

Verified Source:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Official Study Guide, Chapter 2: Network Hardware

CompTIA Exam Objectives 220-1101, Domain 2.2

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Badging refers to the use of NFC-enabled ID badges or cards that authenticate users when tapped against a reader for secure print or access control.

From CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Official Study Guide, Objective 3.4 – Secure printing and authentication:

“NFC authentication is commonly implemented using employee badges, allowing secure and convenient access to devices and functions.”

Verified Source:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Official Study Guide, Chapter 3: Secure Print Solutions

CompTIA Exam Objectives 220-1101, Domain 3.4

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An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) protects systems against power outages by providing temporary backup power, giving users time to save data and safely shut down.

From CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Official Study Guide, Objective 3.3 – Power protection:

“A UPS supplies backup power to prevent data loss and hardware damage during outages or surges, ensuring system integrity.”

Verified Source:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Official Study Guide, Chapter 3: Power Protection

CompTIA Exam Objectives 220-1101, Domain 3.3

If only one print job fails and others succeed, it is often due to a paper type or tray selection mismatch for that specific job. If a print job is configured to use a tray that is empty or set to manual feed, it will not be released until resolved.

From CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Official Study Guide, Objective 4.3 – Printer troubleshooting:

“If a specific print job stalls while others succeed, check the job settings for specific tray or paper type configurations that do not match the printer’s current setup.”

Verified Source:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Official Study Guide, Chapter 4: Printer Troubleshooting

CompTIA Exam Objectives 220-1101, Domain 4.3

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When a laser printer intermittently fails to feed paper, the most common hardware cause is worn or dirty pickup rollers. These rollers grab the paper from the tray and move it into the printer. Over time, dust, paper debris, or worn rubber reduces their effectiveness, causing feeding issues.

From the CompTIA A+ 220-1101 Official Study Guide, Objective 4.3 – Troubleshoot printing problems:

“If the printer is not picking up paper correctly or is experiencing paper jams, check and clean or replace the pickup rollers and separation pads as these are responsible for feeding paper into the print path.”

Other options like updating drivers, selecting paper size, or replacing toner will not resolve a mechanical paper feed problem.

Verified Source:

CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1101) Official Study Guide, Chapter 4: Troubleshooting Printing Problems

CompTIA Exam Objectives 220-1101, Domain 4.3

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Comprehensive and Detailed Step-by-Step Explanation:

LC Connector (Lucent Connector):

LC is a type of fiber optic connector commonly used in optical networking cables. It is small, compact, and widely used for high-speed data transfer over fiber optic networks.

LC connectors are specifically designed for fiber optic cables, making them the correct answer.

Incorrect Options:

A. RJ45: RJ45 connectors are used for Ethernet cables (twisted-pair copper cabling) and are not compatible with optical networking cables.

C. USB-C: USB-C is a connector type used for general-purpose data transfer, charging, and video output, not for optical networking.

D. Lightning: Lightning connectors are proprietary to Apple devices and are not used in optical networking.

Key Takeaway:

The LC connector is specifically designed for fiber optic cables, making it the correct answer for optical networking.

If the system reports“Bootable device not found”, and the BIOS is configured correctly, the next step is torun diagnostics on the hard driveto check for physical or logical failure. It could be a sign of afailing drive or corrupt boot sector.

Option A:Reformatting the drive would erase data — not a diagnostic step.

Option C:RAM does not affect whether a drive is bootable.

Option D:Replacing the drive should only be doneafter diagnostics confirm failure.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam Objective Reference:

Objective 3.5: Given a scenario, troubleshoot problems related to storage devices.

The symptoms — slow response and failed app launches — indicate that thedevice's memory or processing resources are overutilized. Closing unnecessary apps can free up RAM and CPU resources, improving performance.

Option A:Overheating may cause sluggishness, but that’s not indicated here.

Option C:Factory reset is a last resort, not the next logical step.

Option D:Battery health would affect uptime, not system speed.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam Objective Reference:

Objective 1.6: Given a scenario, configure basic mobile device network connectivity and application support.

Syslog is used to log system events and tasks performed by applications, providing a centralized record of activity.

Why Not A (Fileshare): Fileshares store files but are not designed for event logging.

Why Not C (Database): Databases can store logs but are not a logging mechanism themselves.

Why Not D (SAN): A SAN is a storage solution, not a logging tool.

CompTIA A+ Exam Reference: Core 1 (220-1201), Section 2.6, system monitoring and logging​.

A firewall monitors and filters incoming and outgoing network traffic based on security rules, protecting the network from unauthorized access and threats.

Why Not A (Switch): A switch connects devices within a network but does not monitor or filter traffic.

Why Not B (Access point): An access point provides Wi-Fi connectivity but does not filter traffic.

Why Not D (Hub): A hub simply broadcasts data to all connected devices without filtering traffic.

CompTIA A+ Exam Reference: Core 1 (220-1201), Section 2.2, network security concepts​.

If users canaccess local network resourcesbut not theinternet, the most likely culprit is amisconfigured or missing default gateway. The default gateway routes traffic from the local network to external networks (i.e., the internet). If it’s not properly set or was altered during a firewall update, internet traffic won’t be forwarded correctly.

Option A:Static IPs could cause conflict, but wouldn't affect only external access if configured correctly.

Option C:An incorrect subnet mask could isolate devices, but local communication would likely be impacted too.

Option D:VLANs segment networks; while misconfigured VLANs could cause access issues, they’d more likely isolate local traffic as well.

CompTIA A+ Core 1 Exam Objective Reference:

Objective 2.6: Given a scenario, configure and troubleshoot network connectivity.

An MX (Mail Exchange) record specifies the mail server responsible for receiving email for a domain.

Why Not A (CNAME): CNAME is used for domain aliasing, not for email delivery.

Why Not B (SRV): SRV records are used to locate specific services, not mail servers.

Why Not D (SOA): SOA records provide domain information but do not handle email.

CompTIA A+ Exam Reference: Core 1 (220-1201), Section 2.6, DNS record types​.